Fourth Sunday of Lent

The Gospel of Luke so often called that of the Prodigal Son really is the story of the merciful father and both of his sons. Jesus told this parable to the Pharisees and scribes. The younger son tells his father to give him his share of the estate and then he leaves, wastes all, ends up in a miserable condition and finally resolves to return to his father and admit that he has sinned and is no longer worthy to be called his son. The father has been watching for his son and sees him while he is still a long way off. The father is filled with compassion and runs to his son, embraces him, and kisses him. He orders the servants to bring him the finest robe and a ring and sandals and he will celebrate with a feast "because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found." The celebration begins but the older son, coming back from the fields, asks a servant what this means. When told that his brother has returned, he gets angry and refuses to enter the house. His father comes out and pleads with him. Well, we all know the story. The father tells him that he is with him always and all that he has is his, but now is the time to celebrate and rejoice because the younger brother has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.
I love this Gospel and it shows just how merciful the Lord is with each of us. I hope I am not the older son!